Deep Electrical Resistivity Tomography for the Hydrogeological Setting of Muro Lucano Mounts Aquifer (Basilicata, Southern Italy)

Abstract

The proposed work concerns the application of a deep geoelectrical survey to a carbonate aquifer in order to define the best location for exploitation well drilling for increasing water supply. However, an optimal characterization of a groundwater resource is the necessary condition to reach the indicated aim. Therefore, the geoelectrical investigation was guided from the previous geological and hydrogeological characterization. Moreover, geophysical methods are good tools to improve the groundwater model when detailed information is necessary, such as the localization of a pumping well. The work summarizes the hydrogeological knowledge at the West of the Basilicata Region (Muro Lucano, Italy). The investigated area is characterized by the presence of a karst aquifer which is made up of a carbonate ridge (Castelgrande, Muro Lucano) that tectonically dips southward and is widely covered by Pliocene deposits (sands and conglomerates), by the Irpinian unit and Sicilide unit formations, and by debris slope and landslide deposits. The assessment of the complex hydrogeological framework of the area was detailed by the use of a new multichannel deep geoelectrical technique (DERT). In details, the proposed technique was able to successfully locate a less resistive zone connected to a more fractured limestone and then it was suitable for the localization of a groundwater exploitation well.

Identification of Karstification Zoning and Aquifer Channels in Karst Basin at Sendang Biru Beach, Malang-Indonesia: A Case Study

“…Carbonate karst aquifers play an important role in water supply, irrigation, power generation with quality and quantity of water. However, according to Rizzo et al [3], the system is vulnerable and dynamic due to the characteristic features of heterogeneity, anisotropy, porosity type of karst aquifer (rock matrix, fracture, and channel porosity), and variability. Therefore, to protect the aquifer source, it is necessary to identify accurately such as the development of karst conduit, karstification zoning, and analysis of differences in the characteristics of the karst system.…”

“…On the other hand, several studies use geophysical methods to characterize karst landscapes. Among them, identifying the voids and morphology of karst landscapes and karst water circulation in karst structures [3,[8][9][10], SP and ERT methods of karst aquifer exploration [5,11,12], as well as IP methods for the use of detection features. doline cover debris [13][14][15][16].…”

Fusion of Remote Sensing and Applied Geophysics for Sinkholes Identification in Tabular Middle Atlas of Morocco (the Causse of El Hajeb): Impact on the Protection of Water Resource

“…We employ the ERT and Self-Potential (SP) methods adapted to areas dominated by clay, basalts and carbonate rocks, along with well log data provided by local authorities. The equipment used for the geo-electrical surveying is capable of providing resistivity ranges for each of these geological formations [27]. SP instrumentation is suitable for hazardous areas due to its simple manipulation and the limited required manpower during the data acquisition.…”